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New Jersey Legislative Activity
At the conclusion of 2006, Assembly
bill A-3123 and Senate bill S-2018 requiring the Waterfront
Commission of New York Harbor to accept applications to add
new employees to the longshore register, had cleared its
second major hurdle by making its way through the New Jersey
General Assembly by a vote of 78-2-0.
On May 14, 2007 the Senate companion
(S-2018) began its journey towards enactment in New Jersey as
it was favorably voted out of the New Jersey Senate
Transportation Committee by a unanimous vote. The Senate
version of this historic legislation then proceeded to the
floor of the New Jersey State Senate for a vote before the
entire Senate on June 21, 2007, just before the end of the
summer session. There, S-2018 was merged with and substituted
by the Assembly companion legislation A-3123. A-3123 was then
approved by a vote of 37-0-0 by the full Senate and sent to
the Governor's desk for his signature.
On September 10, 2007, New Jersey
Governor Jon S. Corzine concurred with the foresight and
wisdom of the Legislative sponsors and members and signed
A-3123 into law (P.L.2007, c.167).
This very significant achievement was
accomplished by working closely with the ILA in order to
improve our ability to respond to anticipated increases in
manpower needs as shippers continue to send more cargo to the
Port of New York and New Jersey. Today's modern waterfront
includes sophisticated hiring mechanisms. No longer do
longshoremen stand outside terminal gates to be shaped up or
fight each other in order to work. Today, the Waterfront
Commission conducts a thorough Local, State and Federal
criminal background check on everyone seeking to enter the
longshore workforce. In addition, the Commission has the power
to decasualize (remove from the workforce) workers who do not
remain available for work or maintain the level of "good
character" required in the longshore workforce.
Today, Waterfront Commission licensed
hiring agents and dispatchers communicate telephonically with
registered longshore personnel to make work assignments, based
on seniority and skill levels. These communications are
electronically monitored and recorded by the Waterfront
Commission, thereby ensuring an accurate record in case of a
question regarding the hiring process.
Under this new legislation, with
passage of New York companion legislation, employers and labor
together will determine the level of manpower necessary to
provide the highest possible service to our customers. The
Waterfront Commission will continue to ensure that the
candidates entering the workforce possess the character
necessary to enjoy a productive career in our vital industry.
New York Legislative Activity
January of 2007 heralded the
beginning of a new two year legislative session and the
reintroduction of S-182 and A-3593, which amends the
Waterfront Commission Act, relating to empowering the
Waterfront Commission to accept applications in the
longshoremen's register. S-182/A-3593 is the necessary
companion legislation to New Jersey's recently enacted
P.L.2007, c.167.
The senate version S-182 advanced to
a third reading in the Senate Corporations, Authorities, and
Commissions Committee in May of 2007 before being submitted to
the Rules Committee at the end of the calendar session in
June. Despite the Legislature's return for several special
sessions over the summer and fall, the legislation stalled.
However, after several meetings with top legislative
leadership in New York, the prospect of realizing the
enactment of this historic New York legislation in 2008
appears promising.
Main
Bill Information
2004-2005
Legislative Session
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bills/BillsByNumber.asp
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